The military uses you. Use it back. #AMEXPlatinum
The military already took enough.
Your time.
Your holidays.
Your mental bandwidth.
So when the American Express Platinum gives benefits back, you don’t feel weird about using them.
You take them.
All of them.
That’s not entitlement.
That’s reclaiming part of what you earned.
Okay, let's get real about those Amex Platinum benefits for military members! When I first heard about the waived $895 annual fee, I was skeptical. An $895 card... free? But it's absolutely true, thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA). This isn't just a discount; it's a full waiver for active duty, National Guard, and Reservists. It means you get to experience all the luxury without the hefty price tag. The feeling of finally getting something back for your service is incredible. I've personally seen so many friends miss out because they didn't know how easy it is to claim these perks. You just apply, and once your active duty status is verified, the annual fee is automatically waived. No need to call in every year! But the waived fee is just the beginning. Let me share how I've been maximizing these benefits: Uber & Uber Eats Credits: That $15 monthly credit (plus a $20 bonus in December!) is a lifesaver. I link my card to my Uber app and use it for rides, Eats deliveries, or even grocery delivery. It really adds up and covers a good chunk of my monthly food budget. Hotel Credits: Getting up to $600 annually in hotel credits sounds wild, right? You can use the $200 annual credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through Amex Travel, plus another $200 for prepaid bookings at eligible U.S. hotels. Finding qualifying hotels is super easy through the Amex Travel portal, and I've scored some amazing stays. Dining Credits (Resy): The $100 quarterly dining credit for eligible U.S. Resy restaurants is fantastic. A little hack I learned: you can sometimes buy gift cards from participating restaurants using your Resy credit, which saves them for a bigger purchase. Digital Entertainment Credit: My $25 monthly digital entertainment credit covers so many services! Think Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, The New York Times, and more. It's basically free streaming and news, awesome for unwinding after a long day. Lululemon Credit: Who doesn't love Lululemon? The $75 quarterly credit is a huge bonus. I often use it to buy physical gift cards in-store, allowing me to save up for a bigger purchase or gift them. Airline Incidental Credit: The $200 annual airline credit for incidental fees is valuable. While meant for things like baggage fees, many military members have found success with what some call the "unofficial United Travel Bank hack." (Always check current terms!). Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Don't forget the $50 semiannual Saks Fifth Avenue credit! Similar to Lululemon, purchasing gift cards can be a smart way to maximize this. Lounge Access: Free lounge access via Priority Pass is a game-changer for travel. With unlimited access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, layovers become relaxing breaks instead of stressful waits. I've enjoyed complimentary food, drinks, and comfortable seating countless times. So, if you're serving, don't let these incredible Amex Platinum benefits pass you by. It's not just a credit card; it's a way to get some tangible value back for your dedication. Go claim what you've earned!
